Victoria Day 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area: What’s Open, What’s Closed
Last Updated On: 18 May 2025, 9:13 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
As we embrace the Victoria Day long weekend—the unofficial start of summer—residents and visitors in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are finding ways to blend relaxation with errands. Celebrated on Monday, May 19, 2025, this statutory holiday is distinctive in Ontario and recognized federally across Canada.
Whether you’re on the hunt for groceries, looking to enjoy a nice bottle of wine, or ready for a shopping adventure, knowing what’s open during Victoria Day is vital for maximizing your holiday. This guide highlights various stores, malls, attractions, and services open or closed on Victoria Day 2025, optimized for your easy planning.
What’s Open in Toronto on Victoria Day 2025?
Victoria Day is a public holiday, meaning many businesses—including government offices, banks, and schools—will be closed. Nevertheless, several select stores and attractions in the GTA will remain open, some with adjusted hours.
Grocery Stores Open on Victoria Day in the GTA
Running low on supplies? Here’s a list of grocery stores available in Toronto on May 19, 2025:
- Aisle 24: This innovative cashierless grocery chain operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Simply download their app to access any location—ideal for last-minute needs.
- Farm Boy: Several locations will be open, with modified hours:
- College and Bay: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sugar Wharf: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- St. Clair: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Harbourfront: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Additional locations include Yonge and Silvermaple, Aurora, Newmarket, Bronte, and Port Credit, with varying hours.
- Loblaws: The 60 Carlton St. location will be open, while most other Loblaws, No Frills, and other affiliated stores will be closed.
- Metro: The College Park (444 Yonge St.) store will be available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., though most Metro and Food Basics locations will be closed.
- Rabba: For convenience, all Rabba locations are open 24/7, ensuring grocery access any time.
- Longo’s: Select Longo’s stores will be operational; it’s best to check local hours.
- Summerhill Market: All locations in Toronto will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Whole Foods: The Yorkville store will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while other locations will be closed.
- Eataly: All Toronto locations will welcome shoppers ready to indulge in Italian specialties.
- Walmart: The Rexdale location will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but other stores in Toronto will be closed.
Closed Grocery Stores: Many stores, including Costco, Sobeys, FreshCo, Foodland, and IGA, will be closed. It’s always a good idea to confirm hours by calling ahead or checking store websites.
Liquor Stores Open on Victoria Day in the GTA
Planning to celebrate? Here are options for stocking up on beverages:
- LCBO: All stores will be closed on Victoria Day.
- The Beer Store: 82 locations will be open, mostly from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Specific hours may vary, so check with your local store.
- Wine Rack: A number of Toronto locations will be available; confirm hours with the nearest store.
Shopping Malls Open on Victoria Day
If retail therapy is part of your plans, here’s what’s available:
- Toronto Eaton Centre: Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Promenade Shopping Centre: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Toronto Premium Outlets: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Square One (Mississauga): Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bramalea City Centre (Brampton): Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pacific Mall (Markham): True to its status as a year-round destination, Pacific Mall will remain open, operating 365 days a year.
Closed Malls: Major malls such as Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Scarborough Town Centre, Fairview Mall, Sherway Gardens, and Erin Mills Town Centre will be closed, though some individual stores may remain open.
Services Operating on Victoria Day in the GTA
While many services may have altered hours, here’s what to expect:
- TTC: Transit will operate on a holiday schedule, with services running from approximately 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- GO Transit: Will follow a Saturday schedule.
- Garbage Collection: Routine residential and commercial pickups will happen during the day, but drop-off depots and transfer stations will be closed.
- Banks, Canada Post, Service Canada, ServiceOntario: All closed, although some ServiceOntario transactions can be completed online.
- Community Centres and Inquiry Counters: These will also be closed, including outlets at Toronto City Hall and other civic centres.
Fun Things to Do on Victoria Day in the GTA
Monday is not all about errands; it’s a prime time to explore Toronto’s attractions. Here are some places you can visit:
- Ashbridges Bay Park: Enjoy a stunning fireworks display starting at 10 p.m.—a seasonal tradition!
- CN Tower: Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering breathtaking views.
- Toronto Zoo: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Ripley’s Aquarium: Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Riverdale Farm: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission.
- High Park Animal Display: Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, allowing for a car-free, peaceful stroll.
- Fort York National Historic Site: Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- City of Toronto Golf Courses: All five courses will be open; pre-book your tee times online.
- Conservatories: Both Centennial Park and Allan Gardens will be accessible from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no admission fee.
Closed Attractions: Several places won’t be open, including St. Lawrence Market and various cultural centers or art galleries.
Find Stores Open Near You on Victoria Day in Toronto
Using mapping apps or store locators on retailer websites will help you find nearby open stores effectively. For instance,
- Rabba: Easily locate their 24/7 Toronto locations.
- Farm Boy: Check their website to find out about open stores in your vicinity.
- Walmart: Ensure the Rexdale store is the closest option for you.
Enjoying Victoria Day 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area offers a blend of shopping, dining, and recreational activities. While some stores and services will be closed, establishments like the Toronto Eaton Centre, various grocery chains, and attractions provide ample opportunities to make your holiday memorable. Use this guide to plan your day efficiently and embrace everything the GTA offers.
Have a fantastic Victoria Day! Share this guide to help others navigate the holiday effectively.